Maria Villa Apartments

Just returned from a magnificent week on Samos. A beautiful island with our holiday experience made perfect through our choice of accommodaton. We booked the Mary Apartments solely on the strength of the reviews on Trip Advisor, and we were not disappointed! Filimon and his family make you most welcome and the atmosphere between him and his guests, a lot of them repeat visitors, was brilliant. Thanks Filimon. We hope to visit again one day!

This property represents the ideal destination for a family. It is typically Greek, very clean, simple, quiet, peaceful, friendly and placed in an ideal location in that it is away from the main street but within easy access of everything Kambos has to offer. Filimon really is the perfect host. He is exceptionately helpful with everything - you only have to ask . He will sort taxis, hire cars, drinks at his bar, he will offer advice on walking, places of interest, etc.etc.etc His father, Nicos sees to the services side of things and can be seen most days at the bar with his wife, Mary who enjoy a chat with their guests. And then there's Vaghalietta , Filimons sister who is lovely to chat to and has bags of energy and works tirelessly to make your stay comfortable. All in all its perfect for a quite, relaxed, friendly holiday. Do NOT go there if you want noise, loud music, burgers, football etc.etc

The best way to spend holidays in greece is just to stay at Marys. Lovely appartments and a lovely pool bar. Greek dancing and lots of fun is included every night.

Date: August 4, 2006 Reviewer: Savva Maria We have just returned from a two week holidays. The hotel is magnificent and we have never experienced such a great time before. Overall I would say this is probably the best hotel we have ever stayed and we can't wait to go back. Thank you all ,see you soon xxx

We have just returned from a fantastic 2 week holiday at the Mary Hotel.This place is superb and more than exceeded our expectations.The rooms are spacious and spotlessly clean.The hotel is situated in a quiet location approx 200 yards from the beach and tavernas.There is a decent size swimming pool with a seperate part for children.There is a small bar situated near the pool where guests socialise in the evening usually after sampling the delightful local cuisine.The hotel is owned and run by a familiy and words really cannot describe these people---they are helpful,friendly and above all genuine----they cannot do enough to make sure you have a fabulous time.We would not hesitate in recommending this place.

Another fantastic holiday here at the Mary Hotel. Nothing is too much trouble and you are made to feel part of the family. This was my third time here and already I am looking to go back in September. Hotel is situated in a quiet area but is not too far from the beach, resturants and bars, but to be honest the nights in the Mary bar are very amusing and most guests come back here for the evening.

We have just returned from our second holiday at Hotel Mary in Samos and had another fantastic holiday. This hotel went independent of travel agencies this year and as far as we can see it has only made it even better. THE HOTEL The hotel is situated just off the main street up a little lane giving fantastic views of the sea and mountains. The hotel itself has only 15 rooms and because of this the hosts, Nicos, Mary and Filimon tend to treat you like visiting relatives instead of paying guests. There is a decent sized pool, reception, pool bar and barbecue area. The rooms are set out over three floors. THE ROOMS Are all spacious and bright, some of the best we have stayed in in Greece there is ample storage, kitchenette area, bathroom and balcony or terrace. Air conditioning has been fitted to some of the rooms. THE POOL AND BAR AREA This is probably the busiest place in the hotel, particularly later on in the evening. As nightlife is quite low key most guests tend to return to the pool bar later on for a drink and a chat with Filimon (undoubtedly the best barman in the world). The pool is a decent size but quite deep, there is however a seperate area for children which is shallow. THE BEACH The beach at the bottom of the lane is sand and shingle. There is enough room for everyone and plenty of sunbeds. There is a nicer beach further along the coastline called Psilli Amos. This is nearly all sand and very shallow all the way out so it is much warmer than the main beach. We also saw dolphins here when we were out on a boat trip. This beach is not within walking distance really but is only a couple of minutes away by taxi, car or moped. SHOPS There is a good range of shops along the main street just a short stroll away from the hotel. There are numerous supermarkets, jewellry, souvenir and clothes shops mixed in with car rental agencies and tour operators offices. RESTAURANTS Lots of restaurants along the main street. The best we found this year were Ostria, Nostos, Angelos and Pizza Bonita (not just pizzas!). NIGHTLIFE Is fairly low key with a few sit down bars at the end of the lane and along the main street. Music is turned off fairly early ie 1 or 2 am. These are good places for a cocktail and to sit and watch the world go by. We were on holiday this year with two 15 year old girls and an 11 year old boy and these bars were enough for them to really enjoy their holiday. CASHPOINTS There is an ATM at the Votsolakia hotel (come out of Hotel Mary, turn left down the hill, right at the end of the road and it is about 75m up on your right). CURRENCY We took all cash this year as there didn't really seem to be anywhere to change travellers cheques last year. You can get a safety deposit box at the hotel but there is no crime on the island (we are told) except from fellow tourists. PRICES A meal for 5 of us with drinks averaged at 45 Euros. Soft drinks were about 2 Euros, Ice Creams and cocktails from 4 Euros. Large beer 3.90 6 large bottles of water 1 Euro 70 (???cheap or what) SUMMARY Just go, it really is greek hospitality at it's best and they deserve the custom. Your kids will love it and it is a very relaxing break for all. (Even with teenagers and they didn't get bored!) Best for families and couples.

If you would like a relaxing holiday, we can recommend Hotel Mary in Votsalakia. The hotel is no longer with any tour operators now, so running independently, flights to Samos SMI from Gatwick (XLA) are best value, once a week (Thur). Taxi from airport 32 Euro. We have stayed on a number of Greek Islands over the years but Samos, to us, beats them all. Hotel Mary offers peace and quiet, friendly owners, very clean accomodation. We will definitely be going back next year. The resort is very quiet, some bars with music till midnight, ideal for couples who want to get away from it all.

Staying at the Mary Apartments was one of the best holidays ever, so much so that we have been twice this year and are booking for next year. Filimon and his family are such excellent hosts and I would now consider them as friends. The pool is lovely, the bar and night life are entertaining and lots of fun, and the apartments are clean and well maintained. What more could you ask for....

What can you say about this place? Plenty is the answer, as it lived up to all the reviews I have come across. Friendly, clean, great hosts, nothing was too much trouble. Great atmosphere around pool bar at evening. Greek dancing was available to all after a few drinks. Best 2 weeks holiday we have ever had. Trying to book flights now for next year.